Re: Characteristics of Living Things- Any Activities?

Melissa

Posted on 10/22/10

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When I introduce characteristics of living things to my 8th
graders, I give them a rock, live plant, meal worm and a lit
birthday candle to observe. They are instructed make a
sketch of each item and make a written observation.
Afterwards, we compare each item to the list of "seven
characteristics of living things". They have no trouble
correctly identifying the rock as non-living and the plant
and meal worm as living organisms. What's interesting is that
many of my students will argue that the burning candle is a
living thing... it consumes fuel (needs food)and produces
waste - CO2, can "grow and develop" - become much larger if
given more fuel, can "reproduce" if it throws a spark onto
flamable material, "responds to changes" in the environment -
it will flicker if a breeze blows or be extinguished if it
rains. They come to realize that it's not a living thing
when they observe that it lacks cellular structure and
organization and homeostasis.
They enjoy this activity and it hits home the difference
between living and non-living while reinforcing an
understanding of the essential characteristics all living
things possess.

On 9/29/10, Terrence wrote:
> Just wondering if anyone had any activities/labs to go along
> with the characteristics of living things or the basic needs
> of life.

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